This thread has been pretty hypothetical for me - I haven't ever worked in a building over two stories high. In fact, some of the archeological sites I have worked on have been further off the ground than any of my offices.

But for lots of people, this is real life. It would seem that a system adapted to these special circumstances (especially rope capable of resisting high temps - not a characteristic of most climbing ropes), easily donned harnesses and fool-proof descenders would be workable. I was just looking at the web page for one of the parachute systems which stated that theirproduct could be used as low as 130 feet. This makes me think that for 150 feet and lower, I would plan on a rappel, higher than that a parachute would be the way to go. Or just move to the country.

I kind of agree with you about carabiner brake bars - I don't like them at all, unless they are deployed on a rappel rack. Used there, they work fine. A rappel rack is my preference for long rappels, or any rappel where I need to be able to carefully control my speed or stop at a precise point ( as in aiding an injured individual on a cliff). A Petzl Stop is a close second, but I just haven't had that much experience with it.

Feel free to call me a fossil - after all, studying them is how I have made my living. And, after all, you have to survive a while in order to get to the point where you merit the term... <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />